Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, aka Davido, has said an African music category at the premier global music award was long overdue.
thedabigal reports that the Grammys created a new Best African Music Performance category for the 66th edition of the award with Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr, Olamide, and South Africa’s Tyla and Musa Keys being the maiden nominees.
However, in an interview with Billboard’s Tetris Kelly at the Pre-Grammy show, Davido insisted that African music should have been recognised earlier.
He said, “I feel good being a nominee for the first time and getting three nominations. But the Best African Music Performance category feels long overdue for African music to be celebrated. I’m talking about generations way before mine, Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade… Sunny Ade has been nominated, I believe, but now there is an African category.
“If there was an African category years ago, a lot of people would have had the opportunity to be recognised by the Grammy. Finally, at least it is happening now.”
The Best African Music Performance award will presented tonight at the Grammy Award Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.